If you want to add a little something out of the ordinary to your wardrobe but don’t want to spend a fortune, look no further than The Bastyan label.

The designer, Tonia Bastyan, studied Fashion and Textiles at Ravensbourne College of Art and Design. In the mid 1990s, she partnered with Madeleine Press, to set up the Press & Bastyan label, after a successful eight years,the label was acquired by Karen Millen . After that, Tonia went on to become Senior Designer at Whistles, before eventually setting up her own label seven years later.

I met up with Tonia Bastyan at John Lewis Oxford Street, one of the places where her latest collection – created for the modern woman who wants more than just trend from her wardrobe – was displayed.

How did you and ‘fashion’ first meet?

Fashion and I met before I went to college so it would have been probably collecting vintage clothing and wearing my grandmothers clothes. All of those things but also picking up magazines. Ultimately, publications like Vogue are very influential.

How has Vogue influenced your style, design, business then?

When I was at college,Vogue was one of the key magazines we always referenced and even now, it remains as a source of forward thinking and innovative ideas. It has got a big impact on what we do as a business.

Which designer would you most like to meet?

For me it would be Ann Demeulemeester who I absolutely love. I have always liked what she has done. I find it inspiring. It’s moody,the tailoring is absolutely fantastic and the prints are incredible too. I like that philosophy.

Your favourite era for design and why?

My favourite era for design is actually the 20’s-30’s and the reason why is because of the attention to details and the embroidery and the beading. Cuts are also incredible.

Favourite piece from your current collection?

It would probably be the Mongolian Lamb coat.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I love classical music. It is a big thing in my life. I really like Michael Nyman.

What do you eat for breakfast?

For breakfast I have muesli and fruit.

Your current obsession?

Current obsession would probably be an anti-wrinkle cream. That is the current obsession of mine. Actually, I have just bought some of the latest ‘anti-aging’ cosmetics products. Very cool.